Keir Starmer doubles down on benefit shakeup despite Labour rebellion
Keir Starmer has ruled out softening controversial welfare cuts following a furious backlash from his own MPs.
Asked whether Labour rebels will have to "lump it", the PM insisted he will push ahead with reforms in spite of criticism. He faces a wave of backbench anger, with around 100 MPs raising concerns about the measures.
In a defiant message to his critics he vowed to get on and reform the benefit system to slash billions of pounds from the welfare bill. Pressed on whether he might water down the Government's proposals - which will see eligibility for the Personal Independent Payment (PIP) restricted - Mr Starmer said: "To start from the fundamentals, the system as it is is not working. Therefore it needs to be reformed.
"It is not complying with the three principles I have set out many times: support those who need support; ensure that those who can get into work are supported into work; and that those who can work should work. That's the approach I've taken so far, it's the approach I'll continue to take to this."
Under the plans, which are expected to go to a vote in the Commons next month, ministers will plough around £1billion into employment support for disabled people. But around £5billion will be saved by making hundreds of thousands of people ineligible for PIP.
The PM continued: The argument for reform is overwhelming and that's why we will get on and we will reform." Asked a second time whether disgruntled MPs would have to lump it, he said: "We have to get on and reform this system, it's not working for anybody and therefore we have to reform it."
A group of 42 MPs warned the PM last week that the plans were "impossible to support". They called on the Government to delay a vote until the autumn so a full assessment of the cuts can be made.
A separate letter signed by as many as 80 MPs is also understood to be calling for a delay. Earlier this week disability minister Sir Stephen Timms told The Mirror there would be no such pause - saying reform was "urgent".
Sir Stephen said: "I think the reform is urgent. We do need to get on with this." Grim Government analysis suggested around 250,000 extra people, including 50,000 children, could be dragged into poverty due to the proposed changes.
But Sir Stephen said surveys showed 200,000 people who are currently out of work on health and disability grounds want to get a job if the right support was available.
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